Development of a DSS for Thassos Island
421
Environmental deterioration can have a significant impact on development
prospects of Thassos. Although for the moment there are no major conflicts of the use
of coastal resources there is speculation for the future development of the island. The
long-term future of Thassos depends on the rational management of both economic and
natural resources.
Development of DSS for Thassos Island
The main objective of the DSS is to contribute to the Sustainable Development Process
of the island. The scope is to register most (if not all) of the components that affect the
development process. Considering the insular nature of Thassos the Integrated Coastal
Area Management principles will be fully embodied in the DSS. These principles can
be summarized as follows:
Coastal areas are unique and require special management approach
Coastal management should concentrate on the coastline and the
critical area of interface between land, water and air
Coastal management should include an area on the seaside and an
area on the landward side
The geographical boundaries of the area for coastal management
should respect the function of coastal ecosystems and could reflect
administrative boundaries as well
Special emphasis should be taken into consideration and combined
with the protection of coastal resources
The approach to the development of the coastal areas should reflect
and respect the functioning of natural ecosystems
A multiple use of coastal resources could be a good basis for coastal
management
Traditional means to manage coastal resources should be
incorporated to the extent possible in the coastal management scheme
In that context the island is divided in four zones and each zone is characterized in the
GIS database with a different identification. This way coverage with four Ids is created.
The result can be considered as the first thematic entity of the proposed methodology.
The critical zone is a narrow band of land and sea 100 meters wide, adjacent
to the shoreline, characterized by high ecological value and intense development
pressures. Except for absolutely essential construction such as marinas any other kind
of structures should be prohibited at this zone.
The dynamic zone extends inland, 2 kilometers wide, where there is strong
dependence and/or influence of human activities and natural processes on coastal
features and resources.
Special regulations for land-use planning, building regulations, licensing
activities based on environmental impact statements, conservation regulations,
421
Environmental deterioration can have a significant impact on development
prospects of Thassos. Although for the moment there are no major conflicts of the use
of coastal resources there is speculation for the future development of the island. The
long-term future of Thassos depends on the rational management of both economic and
natural resources.
Development of DSS for Thassos Island
The main objective of the DSS is to contribute to the Sustainable Development Process
of the island. The scope is to register most (if not all) of the components that affect the
development process. Considering the insular nature of Thassos the Integrated Coastal
Area Management principles will be fully embodied in the DSS. These principles can
be summarized as follows:
Coastal areas are unique and require special management approach
Coastal management should concentrate on the coastline and the
critical area of interface between land, water and air
Coastal management should include an area on the seaside and an
area on the landward side
The geographical boundaries of the area for coastal management
should respect the function of coastal ecosystems and could reflect
administrative boundaries as well
Special emphasis should be taken into consideration and combined
with the protection of coastal resources
The approach to the development of the coastal areas should reflect
and respect the functioning of natural ecosystems
A multiple use of coastal resources could be a good basis for coastal
management
Traditional means to manage coastal resources should be
incorporated to the extent possible in the coastal management scheme
In that context the island is divided in four zones and each zone is characterized in the
GIS database with a different identification. This way coverage with four Ids is created.
The result can be considered as the first thematic entity of the proposed methodology.
The critical zone is a narrow band of land and sea 100 meters wide, adjacent
to the shoreline, characterized by high ecological value and intense development
pressures. Except for absolutely essential construction such as marinas any other kind
of structures should be prohibited at this zone.
The dynamic zone extends inland, 2 kilometers wide, where there is strong
dependence and/or influence of human activities and natural processes on coastal
features and resources.
Special regulations for land-use planning, building regulations, licensing
activities based on environmental impact statements, conservation regulations,